Will Witherspoon (1 Viewer)

[snarfsnarf]

An owner in my league just dropped Will Witherspoon to pick up Rocky McIntosh. Anybody know what the deal is with Witherspoon and why his performance has been underwhelming so far...was this a panic move?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

An owner in my league just dropped Will Witherspoon to pick up Rocky McIntosh. Anybody know what the deal is with Witherspoon and why his performance has been underwhelming so far...was this a panic move?

That was a panic move. I would pick up Witherspoon immediately. He is an every week starter.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Witherspoon is an interesting case.

There has been concern by observers that Witherspoon is too small to handle the every down pounding a MLB takes. Offseason speculation, though quickly squashed by Jim Haslett and Scott Linehan, suggested that the Rams might take advantage of a better MLB option -- specifically Patrick Willis -- if it came available and move Witherspoon back outside. Plenty of "undersized" LB are doing well in the middle right now, although many of those have a different style of play than Witherspoon does.

The concerning thing for me this offseason and now is that Witherspoon's tackle stats dropped significantly after Week 7 last year, over two full solos per game from 7.6 to 5.4 per game despite relatively decent matchups. Things should get easier if Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan have their expected rotational impact, but a healthy Chris Draft/Pisa Tinoisamoa and improved run defense up front with James Hall could counteract some of that.

Witherspoon should still finish in the middle ranks of that fat low LB1 - high LB2 tier, but isn't a lock for 95 plus solos this year. And it doesn't help that Witherspoon's home stat crews are among the stingiest in the league with assisted tackles. McIntosh may finish closer to Witherspoon in tackles than would have been expected and, if your league is big play oriented, could wind up as the better play.

 

[NOONAN]

Witherspoon is an interesting case.There has been concern by observers that Witherspoon is too small to handle the every down pounding a MLB takes. Offseason speculation, though quickly squashed by Jim Haslett and Scott Linehan, suggested that the Rams might take advantage of a better MLB option -- specifically Patrick Willis -- if it came available and move Witherspoon back outside. Plenty of "undersized" LB are doing well in the middle right now, although many of those have a different style of play than Witherspoon does.The concerning thing for me this offseason and now is that Witherspoon's tackle stats dropped significantly after Week 7 last year, over two full solos per game from 7.6 to 5.4 per game despite relatively decent matchups. Things should get easier if Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan have their expected rotational impact, but a healthy Chris Draft/Pisa Tinoisamoa and improved run defense up front with James Hall could counteract some of that.Witherspoon should still finish in the middle ranks of that fat low LB1 - high LB2 tier, but isn't a lock for 95 plus solos this year. And it doesn't help that Witherspoon's home stat crews are among the stingiest in the league with assisted tackles. McIntosh may finish closer to Witherspoon in tackles than would have been expected and, if your league is big play oriented, could wind up as the better play.

Jene-Spoon's tackle reduction coincided with SJax's explosion last year. Was TOP a major factor there? Less opportunities versus "wearing down".Thanks to FBG, I snagged McIntosh this year to go with Spoon, Edwards and Dansby. Pretty standard IDP scoring, so Spoon is a key player for meAny insight here would be appreciated as I might look to make a trade.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Jene-

Spoon's tackle reduction coincided with SJax's explosion last year. Was TOP a major factor there? Less opportunities versus "wearing down".

Weeks 1-7Jackson 25.57 touches/game

58.7 offensive snaps faced/game

28 rush attempts faced/game

Weeks 9-17

Jackson 29.67 touches/game

57.33 offensive snaps faced/game

31 rush attempts/faced/game

I didn't look at TOP. The difference is Jackson's touches appears significant; however, it's significantly skewed by Jackson's 13 catch game in Wekk 9 against Kansas City. On the surface, and allowing for week-to-week variability skewing the mean, the opportunity doesn't look much different. If anything, Witherspoon faced three extra rush attempts per game over the final nine games.

I'm not necessarily advocating dealing Witherspoon -- I'd want a similar low LB1 type talent or the equivalent in return -- but just pointing out that expecting him to be a clear LB1 is questionable.

 

[NOONAN]

Jene-

Spoon's tackle reduction coincided with SJax's explosion last year. Was TOP a major factor there? Less opportunities versus "wearing down".

Weeks 1-7Jackson 25.57 touches/game

58.7 offensive snaps faced/game

28 rush attempts faced/game

Weeks 9-17

Jackson 29.67 touches/game

57.33 offensive snaps faced/game

31 rush attempts/faced/game

I didn't look at TOP. The difference is Jackson's touches appears significant; however, it's significantly skewed by Jackson's 13 catch game in Wekk 9 against Kansas City. On the surface, and allowing for week-to-week variability skewing the mean, the opportunity doesn't look much different. If anything, Witherspoon faced three extra rush attempts per game over the final nine games.

I'm not necessarily advocating dealing Witherspoon -- I'd want a similar low LB1 type talent or the equivalent in return -- but just pointing out that expecting him to be a clear LB1 is questionable.

Thanks, Jene-Potentially a trade of equal value but maybe more upside or less risk to be my LB1 is kinda what I had in mind.

 

[snarfsnarf]

Witherspoon is an interesting case.

There has been concern by observers that Witherspoon is too small to handle the every down pounding a MLB takes. Offseason speculation, though quickly squashed by Jim Haslett and Scott Linehan, suggested that the Rams might take advantage of a better MLB option -- specifically Patrick Willis -- if it came available and move Witherspoon back outside. Plenty of "undersized" LB are doing well in the middle right now, although many of those have a different style of play than Witherspoon does.

The concerning thing for me this offseason and now is that Witherspoon's tackle stats dropped significantly after Week 7 last year, over two full solos per game from 7.6 to 5.4 per game despite relatively decent matchups. Things should get easier if Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan have their expected rotational impact, but a healthy Chris Draft/Pisa Tinoisamoa and improved run defense up front with James Hall could counteract some of that.

Witherspoon should still finish in the middle ranks of that fat low LB1 - high LB2 tier, but isn't a lock for 95 plus solos this year. And it doesn't help that Witherspoon's home stat crews are among the stingiest in the league with assisted tackles. McIntosh may finish closer to Witherspoon in tackles than would have been expected and, if your league is big play oriented, could wind up as the better play.

Thats hugely concerning in light of the additional two games of this year. I have the fortune of a LB corps where I really don't have someone to drop (thanks FBG) to pick him up considering something like this. Great input.

 

[Islander]

And it doesn't help that Witherspoon's home stat crews are among the stingiest in the league with assisted tackles.

I remember seeing this before. Would it be possible to post the link to the study again? It also showed PD generosity too, if I remember correctly.Thanks

 

[Jene Bramel]

And it doesn't help that Witherspoon's home stat crews are among the stingiest in the league with assisted tackles.

I remember seeing this before. Would it be possible to post the link to the study again? It also showed PD generosity too, if I remember correctly.Thanks

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=332835